Additively manufactured 3D porous Ti6Al4V: A versatile platform for titanate-based antibacterial surface engineering

Implants made from Ti6Al4V are the gold standard in implantology. A key advancement in Ti-based implants is the use of additive manufacturing, such as Electron Beam Melting (EBM), to create 3D structures. Implants produced using this method demonstrate improved biological responses. Like all implants, they remain prone to biofilm formation. A promising solution is antibiotic-functionalized surface coatings. In this study, we developed a zinc titanate coating on the surface of 3D-printed Ti6Al4V. This coating was subsequently loaded with the ciprofloxacin. The driving force behind ciprofloxacin adsorption was the coordination between the functional groups of ciprofloxacin and Zn 2 + ions in the titanate layer. For reference, the same study was conducted on non-porous Ti6Al4V. The results showed that the 3D-printed specimens had more than three times greater surface area compared to solid Ti6Al4V cubes. This increased surface area also enabled the loading of more than three times the amount of ciprofloxacin. Further analyses confirmed that the drug was uniformly distributed across the sample surface. Drug release studies revealed that ciprofloxacin was released over eight hours, with a significant burst release occurring within the first hour. Additionally, the materials demonstrated the ability to release Zn 2+ , which may further enhance the antibacterial effect. • Porous Ti6Al4V implants were functionalized with a zinc titanate coating via hydrothermal treatment and ion exchange. • The 3D-printed architecture enabled over threefold higher ciprofloxacin loading compared to solid Ti6Al4V. • Ciprofloxacin and Zn 2+ ions were uniformly distributed and released, potentially providing a dual antibacterial effect. • The modified implants showed improved drug release profiles and surface properties relevant for osseointegration.